Uruguay legalised cannabis!

Uruguay just became the first nation to legalise growing, sale and consumption of cannabis!

Uruguay just became the first nation to legalise growing, sale and consumption of cannabis!

Exiting times! The Uruguayan senate passed a legalisation bill late on tuesday, in a narrow vote of 16 - 13. With the signature of president Jose Mujica, the law is going to regulate the cannabis market as soon as early next year. Outside the congress, supporters gathered and celebrated the new law with music, balloons and joints.

Under the new law, consumers will be able to buy 40 grams each month in state licensed pharmacies, and legally cultivate up to six plants in their homes. Cannabis social clubs may grow up to 99 plants for a maximum of 45 members.

The drug-control agency of Uruguay will have 120 days, until mid-april, to draft the details of the regulation. The state will control the entire supply chain, from cultivation to commercial distribution.

While this is the most progressive cannabis law we‘ve seen until today, it is important to note that it actually is only a partial legalisation, as it establishes strict parameters for cultivation, possession and consumption. Most importantly, unlike to what is happening in Colorado and Washington, in Uruguay the private sector is locked out of the business. It is a state-run experiment, with the primary goal of reducing organised crime and violence.

As Hannah Hetzer, a campaigner for the legalisation puts it: „This is the beginning of the end of a prohibitionist model and the beginning of a more intelligent focus“.